National Museum of Nepal

The National Museum of Nepal located on the way to Swayambhunath Hill  was established in 1928AD as an arsenal museum in the historical building which was constructed in early 19th century by General Bhimsen Thapa. The initial name of this museum was Chhauni Silkhana which literally means "the stone house of arms and ammunitions". It is most popular museum among the Kathmandu People. It has become a popular attraction to locals wanting to relive their history, and to visitors who are interested in Nepals’ past. Nepal’s National Museum is divided into three main historical collections, each of which is housed in a separate building.

It was opened as a public museum in the year 1938 by the then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher JBR. He not only allowed Nepalese to visit the museum charging very little but also raised a building for an art museum and named it after him Juddha Jatiya Kalashala. Until then only foreign scholars/dignitaries and invitees or guests of the Rana Prime Minister occasionally could have a glimpse of this wonderful collections. It was only in the year 1967AD this was named as Rashtriya Sangrahalaya, the National Museum of Nepal.

In the year 1995 the Japanese Government donated funds to the National Museum of Nepal to host an exhibit that consists of Buddhist Religious Art. This exhibit educates the public about the Buddhist religion through amazing pieces of art, and assists in the research of Buddhism and the preservation of its associated artifacts.

People who have interest on historical, cultural  and religious aspects can look forward to the doll collection, second century BC coins, stuffed animals and relics from the devastating 1934 earthquake. Here visitors are able to get a unique insight into the weaponry of Nepal through the ages. The greatest attraction in this division is the leather cannon. It originates from the historical Tibetan war period which took place in 1792.

Opens daily, except for Sunday, Monday and holidays, from 9 am to 5 pm.